A Glass House Mountains environmental group has vowed to protest against a quarry expansion plan outside every Sunshine Coast Council meeting until a final decision is made.

True to their word, Save Our Glass House Mountains (SOGHM) were in attendance at the council chambers yesterday.

Despite two years of protesting, the State Government has granted Heidelberg Materials Australia environmental authority to expand the quarry 66 meters deeper, but final approval rests with the council.

SOGHM representative Megan Standring said the decision shows how disconnected government bodies were from the land and the impacts that the expansion may have.

“All levels of government have really let Glass House Mountains down. We are pushing for them to stop,” she said.

The Glass House Mountains hold spiritual and cultural significance as well as being protected under environmental conservation and listed as a National Heritage site.

SOGHM is concerned that an extension of the quarry will have negative environmental, cultural and local effects.

SOGHM member Brett Standring said that some potential threats may include an increase of silica dust in the air and damage to the town roads due to heavy machinery and truck usage.

“It’s going to mean a truck every three minutes going through the township of Glass House Mountains when they are at full capacity,” Mr Standring said.

State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said with the environmental approval comes the enforcement of stricter rules and monitoring to ensure the protection of the surrounding environment and local community if the expansion goes ahead.

“Ultimately, the Sunshine Coast Council remains the final decision-maker on the application, taking into consideration any recommendations provided by the state,” Mr Powell said.

Heidelberg Materials Australia’s webpage says their quarrying operations have no impact on Glass House Mountains.